Intellectual Property

Copyright and Open Access

The University provides guidance and support to researchers on protecting copyright for written and creative works and securing the right to make or distribute copies, make derivative works (such as a translation or adaptation), and/or to present public displays of works.

The University's Open Access Policy enables faculty to make their scholarly articles, published in journals and conference proceedings, available to the wider public through the University open access repository.

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Material Transfer Agreements

Researchers who wish to send laboratory reagents, tissue specimens, prototypes, and other materials to those outside the University have the option to do so under the protection of a Material Transfer Agreement, which covers issues such as ownership, publication, intellectual property, permitted use, and liability. Services offered by the Office of Technology Licensing include preparation of agreements for outgoing materials and review and approval of agreements for incoming materials.

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Confidentiality Agreements

Confidentiality agreements, including Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs), protect disclosures of information and intellectual property when establishing partnerships outside the University. The Office of Technology Licensing provides guidance to researchers on when it is appropriate to protect inventions or research results, and will draft and negotiate confidentiality agreements with external partners. The Office of Research and Project Administration manages incoming NDAs and CDAs related to sponsored research contracts.

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Licensing

The Office of Technology Licensing works with researchers to develop a comprehensive commercialization strategy for new inventions. This includes market discovery, outreach to potential licensees, and the negotiation of licensing terms. The office also assists researchers interested in startup formation with connections to entrepreneurs, incorporation, and early stage funding. 

AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGIES DATABASE | CONTACTS


Invention Disclosures and Patents

The protection of intellectual property stemming from University research discoveries and inventions is handled by the Office of Technology Licensing, which works with researchers to secure patents on inventions when applicable. Researchers should report all inventions as soon as practicable but before they have been published or presented at any public forum, including conferences, poster sessions, and meeting abstracts.

LEARN MORE | CONTACTS | INVENTOR'S GUIDE